I laughed, I cried, I died a little inside but the music helped me pick up the pieces.
What a wild, wonderful, and weird one. So many great bands put out a ton of marvelous material that at times it’s been hard to keep up! I didn’t get a chance to squeeze in as many reviews as I’d hoped on top of the massive amount of life changes that I’ve been navigating with the help of the following soundtrack but, luckily, upon reflection, I’ve been reminded how powerful music can be, how much a part of my life it always will be, and how influential and therapeutic it is when I need it. This year’s been an epic journey and I’ve encountered more than a few incredible albums along the way. Odysseus ain’t got nothin’ on me, cheers to 2023!
Without further ado, my top 10 in no particular order…
The Raging Nathans – Still Spitting Blood
Nobody, and I mean that literally, has been cranking out as much new material with a consistent level of quality as Dayton’s the Raging Nathans. Still Spitting Blood is the latest in a long stretch of releases and if they keep on this trajectory they’ll have a damn good discography that rivals the number of sinners in hell. When’s the next one coming out again?
Standouts… “Still Spitting Blood” and “The Answer”
The Brokedowns – Maximum Khaki
I tried not to play favorites but The Brokedowns drew their “Samurai Sword” and made me chose. With sarcasm, satire, and stellar songwriting, this is the one. No other band sounds quite like them and never will, I’ll die on that hill.
Standouts… ALL OF THEM
Frenzel Rhomb – The Cup Of Pestilence
Nothing makes me more nostalgic than Frenzal Rhomb and The Cup Of Pestilence just solidified that feeling from the start. It’s just a little harder and heavier than anything that precedes it and they just keep getting cheekier. I also still giggle like a school boy every time I hear the C word.
Standouts… “Deathbed Darren” and “Those People”
Tightwire – Head Full Of Snakes
Few bands had me itching for a follow up as much as Minneapolis’ Tightwire. Head Full Of Snakes was far from a disappointment and adding Noelle Stolp (Rational Anthem et. al.) to the roster on the band’s second full length was the icing on the snow covered cake. “Turn the smoke machine on and play the hits!” Is it time to go to “Rehab Again?”
Standouts… “Smoke Machine” and “Anyone But You”
The Bouncing Souls – Ten Stories High
The Bouncing Souls are like comfort food. Always filling and never dry. Ten Stories High has been the best thing I’ve seen (or heard) from The Souls since Ghosts on the Boardwalk. There. I said it.
Standouts… “Kenver” and “Shannon’s Song”
Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch
Holy Smokes, Hot Mulligan caught me off guard with this one. Their brand of emo anthems isn’t typically my cup of tea but their latest collection of quirky musings solidified the quartet from Lansing on this non-exhaustive list. If you want a side quest, key their monicker into Urban Dictionary.
Standouts (and it’s not even close)… “And I Smoke”
The Bollweevils – Essential
The biggest surprise came from the chilly land of Chicago. The Bollweevils, after a dry spell spanning more than two decades, hit double digits imho with Essential. Were they sitting on some of these songs for nearly as long? I’m not entirely sure but it certainly sounds like it. Aged like a fine fucking wine. Bonus points for turning themselves into punk rock superheroes and writing a “Theme” song.
Standouts… “Theme” and “Disrespected Peggy Sue”
Samiam – Stowaway
My band mate, the illustrious Steven Rovery, turned me on to this record on one of American Television’s van journeys (I think we all know why Scars isn’t on this list hahaha) and we quickly became well acquainted, the record and I of course. Samiam’s Stowawy shows why they’ve weathered the storm and withstood the punk rock test of time as they continue to put out catchy and carefully crafted songs with career spanning consistency. If it ain’t broke…
Standouts… “Lake Speed” and “Shut Down”
The Kimberly Steaks – Big Noise
I haven’t exactly been quiet about my infatuation with Scotland’s The Kimberly Steaks but I’ve fancied few bands as much as this fantastic trio and I’ll tell anyone who listens… that they sound like Green Day. Before they started writing fucking ballads. Big Noise is just I big ol’ batch of bangers and a close second to the aforementioned Brokedowns release. Believe me.
Standouts… just put on the fucking record. NO SKIPS
Grade 2 – Grade 2
Is this Rancid? No, it’s even better. Maybe that’s a stretch, a slight exaggeration, but Grade 2 is taking street punk to a place it hasn’t been seen since those Berkeley loving bastards from the East Bay got started and this self titled album blows Tomorrow Never Comes out of the water. Fight me. The best part? They’re British!
Standouts… “Doing Time” and “Brassic”
You can take any and all of this with a dusting of salt (you can add lime and tequila at your discretion) as everything contained here is simply my point of view. You may hate it, you may love it but either way, just like me, that’s just like, your opinion, man. Now, let’s see what 2024 has to throw at us!
P.S. Honorable Mentions: 40 Reps – Heads Up, Fat Heaven – Trash Life, Braceface – Don’t Lose Your Dinosaur, Mercy Music – What You Stand To Lose, The Dirty Nil – Free Rein To Passions
Jerred Lazar is a make believe musician and wannabe writer attempting to survive in Washington DC
